The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a vital resource for people in psychiatric distress. However, there has been an issue with calls being routed to the wrong location when the cellphone area codes don’t match where the callers are located. This is all set to change as wireless carriers are implementing georouting technology to ensure that all 988 calls go to local call centers.
The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote next month to make georouting mandatory, eliminating the need for 988 calls and messages to be sent to crisis centers miles away. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of being connected with resources in your own community when contacting 988.
The new rule would require nationwide wireless carriers to comply within 30 days, while smaller providers would have two years to implement geo-routing. Georouting ensures that callers can maintain privacy by not providing an exact location for their calls.
Since its launch in 2022, the 988 lifeline has handled over 10 million calls, texts, and chats from individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health issues, and substance use problems. The data shows a significant increase in the number of people using 988 through texts, indicating the importance of this service.
The devastating statistics surrounding suicide and mental health issues highlight the urgency of having localized resources accessible through 988. The implementation of georouting will enable responders to have a better understanding of local resources, ultimately providing more effective help to those in need.
To ensure prompt support for mental health, drug, or alcohol issues, individuals can call, text, or chat at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Additional support can be found at FindSupport.gov or by calling (800) 662-4357 to locate a local treatment provider.